Too many homeowners take their home HVAC system for granted. They only start to think of maintenance when it suddenly doesn’t work on a hot summer day. At that point, you need to hope a repair professional can come out for an emergency visit.
Your home HVAC system is important, and you should try to keep it in good shape. Homeowners want cool air during summer and hot air during winter. We also want reliable ventilation that circulates clean air throughout the house.
Beyond that, maintenance is important for preventing expensive repairs. It can also extend the life of the machines. Poor maintenance can also be one of the reasons your HVAC system is using so much energy. With all these benefits, it makes HVAC maintenance a good investment of time and money.
But what do you need to do to keep your HVAC system running? Read on to learn some tips for maintaining your HVAC system.
1. Check and Change Filters
Checking and changing filters is one of the basic steps in HVAC maintenance. The filters collect dust and debris to prevent damage to the system. Filters can also help you maintain better air quality in your home. Most people recommend checking the filter every month. However, how frequently it needs to be changed can vary depending on how much you use the system and various environmental factors. Depending on your furnace, you might be able to find filters that offer enhanced filtration as well.
2. Keep Your Vents Open
Some people think they can save money by closing some of the vents in their homes. For the most part, this isn’t true. Especially if the vents are far from both the thermostat and the blower. In general, having your vents open will do more to help you achieve a comfortable home and run the HVAC system more efficiently. With that said, you can close vents in some areas if you have reasons you might want a specific room to have less heating or air conditioning.
3. Move Objects Away From Vents
Another mistake many people make is placing objects in front of vents. Whether it is registers or air returns, obstructions will make your HVAC system less efficient. With items blocking the vents, the system will have to work harder to heat or cool the home. Walk the entire house and look for all the vents. Move any objects that may be limiting airflow.
4. Clean Around the AC Unit
Your outdoor AC unit needs room to operate properly. If it has bushes or shrubs grown up around it, it won’t be able to work as efficiently. Some people might even stack up outdoor items like chairs near the AC unit because they think it is a convenient storage place. Remove any items from near the AC unit. If there are bushes or shrubs, remove them or keep them trimmed. Providing enough space for airflow will do a lot to keep your AC unit running well.
5. Inspect the Ducts
The ducts carry hot and cold air around the home. If they start to leak, it can add a lot to your home heating and cooling costs. For that reason, you should inspect your HVAC ductwork once a year. Inspect all the ducts to look for leaks or broken sections. Beyond fixing ducts, you might want to hire professionals for the occasional duct cleaning. Dust and debris can build up in the ducts over time.
6. Clean the AC Unit
The outdoor AC unit will also need to be cleaned at least once a year. The unit has coils that assist with the heat exchange process to create cool air. If they are dirty, they can’t produce cold air as efficiently. Go out to the air conditioner and remove any dirt, debris or leaves from the housing. From there, you can move on to cleaning the air conditioner coils. After cleaning the coils, you should check the condensate line to make sure it is clear. If it is blocked, take the time to clean it.
7. Professional Inspections
Doing some of your own maintenance work is good, but most homeowners do not have the knowledge or tools to do all HVAC repairs and maintenance. For that reason, it can be good to hire professionals for an annual inspection and tune-up. They will know how to inspect all the parts and test the coolant lines. Many of them will also offer to clean the system as part of the tune-up and inspection. It can also be a good way to make sure any issues are caught before they become bigger problems.
8. Consider a Maintenance Plan
If you are too busy or want to ensure professional care, paying for a maintenance plan can be a good idea. Many HVAC repair companies offer maintenance plans. With a maintenance plan, you can ensure your HVAC system gets the care it needs. Many maintenance plans also come with priority service if the HVAC system needs repairs.
According to an expert from Fixd home services company, “A maintenance plan can take a lot of the hassle out of maintaining an HVAC system. The plans include things like routine inspections and repairs from professional service technicians. It’ll also include the cleaning and testing of various parts. The plans can be good for preventing breakdowns and extending the life of components.”
Prevent expensive HVAC repairs by performing the necessary maintenance. With the tips in this post, you can protect your HVAC system, save money on repairs, and ensure reliable operation.
